treating cancer patients


Perhaps there will always be a stigma surrounding the topic, but the good news is, certain Spas are beginning to change their attitude and approach; The Spa at Ramside, based in County Durham, has become the first in the United Kingdom to offer a special program of treatments for anyone dealing with or who has suffered from cancer.


The Spa became part of the international Wellness for Cancer organisation, which aims to increase the level of comfort and confidence in Spa and wellness facilities to deliver safe and nurturing services to clients who have experienced cancer.


At the Spa at Ramside, every member of staff has had training to provide services to anyone whose life has been affected by the disease, which covers suitable treatments including massages, manicures and pedicures. In addition to this, all reception and reservation staff have been trained to understand how to speak to clients both on the phone and in person, ensuring they can assist them properly and are knowledgeable when faced with the subject.


Jill Russell, Spa Director at the Spa at Ramside says: “Visiting a Spa is such a relaxing experience, it’s the ideal environment for someone dealing with a life threatening condition, but unfortunately there has been far too many misconceptions surrounding cancer and massage within the industry, with people often being turned away from Spas.


“At the Spa at Ramside we want to change that and our philosophy will echo Wellness for Cancer, with no one going through this awful disease being turned away from a Spa treatment no matter what stage their illness is at.”


When approaching a client with cancer, it’s important to remember that everyone is different. You may have a client who is emotional, and wants to discuss their condition with someone who isn’t a doctor or family member. Alternatively, you may have a client who doesn’t want to discuss it at all, seeing their Spa time as a moment to forget everything.


This is the reason why a prior consultation is key. It will help you get to know your client and their cancer; ensuring that they lead the way with any conversation. Although it’s important to ask how they are feeling, and to check that they’re comfortable, it’s also important to not be too intrusive.


The wellness team at the Spa at Ramside are fully trained in treating clients with cancer.


“Consultation and the manner in which you conduct yourself are even more important when treating a client with cancer,” notes Marie-Louise Coster. “For the past 16 years I have volunteered for a cosmetic industry cancer charity called Look Good Feel Better. During my time doing this I have come into contact with hundreds and hundreds of cancer sufferers and what they want the most is normality and to feel like themselves – they don’t want to be seen as the woman with cancer, they want to be seen the same way they were before their diagnosis, so do treat your client in the manner you always have.”


contraindications


Naturally, when treating a patient with cancer, there follows a lot of contraindications, and so a thorough consultation is vital. There are many potential dangers when carrying out treatments, so understanding everything there is to know about your client’s condition is really important.


“Some cancers and some types of pain are still very much contraindicated hence the need for specialist training,” explain the International Beauty and Holistic Academy. “Massage therapists working with people with cancer must be properly trained and qualified.”


Treatments such as permanent make-up, skin peels and waxing all have the potential to break the skin, and can cause side effects such as burning or bruising,


which will take a longer time to heal if the client is taking specific medications, going through Chemotherapy, or experiencing other illnesses due to a low immune system.


Nilam Holmes-Patel, CEO and Co- founder of the High Definition Group explains: “Client record forms or medical health forms should include all information a therapist needs to know about their client; such as the client’s medical history, current condition, the medication they are on, the treatments and procedures they have had and their general wellbeing.


“This information should be completed every time a client is having a treatment, even if they’re a long-standing client who has been visiting you for many years.”


treatments


Thankfully, there are many treatments you can offer your client that can help them along in their cancer journey; something as simple as getting a manicure could brighten up their day. It’s essential that you understand what products to use and how to use them to make it completely safe, as some ingredients can cause irritation and harm to the skin.


For example, Bio Sculpture Gel has treatment gels that cater for different nail types, and many ladies have worn the gel successfully during their chemotherapy. The gel then protects their nails, as well as keeping them well groomed.


GUILD NEWS 101


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124